Just in case you missed it, the Sex and the City movie opens on Friday, May 30. So, here's what we recommend: go see the movie and take notes, because if this movie has the same effect on viewers as the TV series did Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte can have a big impact on your sales. If -- and that's a big IF -- you take advantage of the movie's buzz.
See the movie once for fun and another time to pay attention to the details; better yet send all your associates to see the film and have them to do the same. What are the girls wearing? Carrie created all sorts of trends in the past and we bet she'll do it again. What fabulous accessories are they carrying? How are their homes decorated? You know people will come to your store looking for similar things. Which books are they reading, what types of restaurants are featured in the film? What are they drinking? Hold a brainstorming session with your staff to discuss the details everyone picked up from the movie, plus how you can us them in your in-store event(s).
Host your event after opening weekend. Strike while the iron is hot!
Scrapbook and craft stores: Host crops and classes with the Sex and the City TV series on in the background. Judging from new photos and the movie trailer, wearing silk flowers is making a come back. Fashionistas need not spend a fortune on ready-made floral pins, they can make them themselves with product from your store. Do demos on your sales floor this weekend and show them how.
Create your own pottery stores: Host a Sex and the City ladies night. Theme the night's events around the movie. And we want to see you all host in heels --the higher the better!
Shoe stores: This is a no brainer! Have in-store -- and in the window -- fashion shows. You may not sell Manolo Blahniks, but you do sell cool high heels. Show customers how it's done! And by the way, we've seen photos of Manolos from the movie with lots of details. Show customers how to dress up basic pumps with accessories for shoes.
Furniture stores: Set vignettes labeled "Carrie's apartment" or "Charlotte's nursery." Do in-store demos to show customers how to easily give their homes Sex and the City sophistication.
Restaurants: Add foods from Sex and the City to your menu. Make them "limited time only specials". Have wait staff dress as their favorite character from the movie, then hold a contest where customers vote for the winner.
Gift stores: Does Carrie get married or does she stay single? Either way, wedding gifts are going to be a hot topic. Show shoppers how to give the right gift. You know all kinds of wedding rules and etiquette but we bet you customers don't. Show them the proper way to give a gift or throw a party with in-store demos, classes, and mini-seminars.
Ladies apparel and accessory stores: Note what the girls are wearing and set your Speed Bumps and window displays to sell! And if one of the ladies happens to be pregnant, set displays featuring the new maternity styles. And lingerie! You know lingerie is going to be a big star in this movie. Present it proudly in your store.
Men's apparel and accessory stores: Pre-coordinate shirts and ties and suits and display them ala Mr. Big. He's such a snappy dresser!
Children's apparel and accessory stores: What are Charlotte and Miranda's children wearing? Which diaper bags are they carrying? Whose strollers are they pushing?
And every retailer can amp up the dress code for this event and serve Cosmopolitans -- or mock Cosmopolitans -- in martini glasses.
This movie will burn white-hot for a few weeks so your time plan and host an event is RIGHT NOW. We can't wait to see and hear what you do Sex and the City up your sales!
